Global tax conference creates real buzz

Exceptional client insight and deep relationship building made Praxity’s 2022 Global Tax & Fiscal Conference one of the most memorable to date.

Back after three years, this year’s event in London marked the return of face-to-face networking and socialising in an exceptional setting - the hallmark of Praxity conferences - creating a real buzz among delegates.

Held on 5-7 June at the Park Plaza London Riverbank Hotel, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the conference attracted more than 250 people, including world-leading tax experts and accounting professionals from more than 26 countries.

Ignacio Gepp, Tax Partner at new Praxity member firm Puente Sur in Chile, said the event provided “excellent opportunities to meet new firms and friends from around the globe in a more personalised setting”, adding: “It doesn’t get any cosier than being in a boat together sailing down the River Thames.”

Commenting on the opportunity to exchange knowledge on tax developments, he said: “I am very grateful to have been able to share the experience of Chile concerning VAT on digital services and exchange experiences with friends from Canada, the UK, Singapore, Germany, and the Netherlands, as it highlighted common challenges of our clients and thus the possibility of a coordinated approach in servicing them.”

He said the conference also provided an excellent opportunity for independent firms from around the globe to “break away from regional walls, build bridges, get to know each other, and ultimately venture into working together as one team”.

In a break from the norm, this year’s event also provided a celebration of London’s creative industries, with special guest speakers from the film, music, branding and fashion world. A key element was how luxury brand clients are being impacted by developments in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance issues), with insights provided by industry experts.

Key highlights

Deputy chair of the conference, Eric Klein Hesseling, International Tax Partner with Mazars Amsterdam, said: “It was great to see everyone again. There was significant relationship building, supported by fun activities including a beautiful boat ride along the River Thames and a scavenger hunt with friendly competition!”

A highlight, Eric said, was client insight on growing from a small business to a large platform and having an innovate mindsight (how we focus our awareness on ourselves) that changed their business model.

Praxity remains the largest accounting association in the world and a strong 6th place overall when measured alongside networks. Only BDO and the Big Four generate higher global revenues.

The impressive performance of the Alliance is testament to the way member firms have adapted to the needs of businesses dealing with global challenges including Covid-19, climate change, retention, remote working and digitisation.

Creating more value

London was great but next year is set to be sensational with beautiful, historic Prague as the backdrop. The 2023 Praxity Global Tax & Fiscal Conference will be held on June 5 and 6 at the Prague Marriott Hotel in the centre of the city and near the exquisite Old Town Square. With a welcome dinner at the Pivnice Beer Hall and Farewell Party at the stunning Zofin Palace on an island on the Vltava River, next year’s event is sure to be spectacular. We can’t wait to see you there!